Member Orientation

• Elements of an Orientation
• Methods of an Orientation
• Fundamentals of an Orientation
• Orientation Topics
  • Placement Site Orientation
  • Introducing "VISTA Life"
  • Community Orientation
  • Wall of History
  • Tools to Help Members Explain Your Program
  • Warm-up Activities & Ice Breakers

Home > Member Orientation > Orientation Topics > Introducing "VISTA Life"

Introducing "VISTA Life"

A game helps members navigate challenges

CONNECT uses its own version of the Life Game to help new VISTAs in the First 5 Service Corps (Orange, CA) understand local program benefits and policies introduced during their national pre-service orientation. The game also goes over some of the budgetary challenges of being a VISTA.

Kristi Piatkowski says it's a "fun, interactive way to review policies, procedures, and program structure without a lecture." Game pieces are easy to customize to specific programs.

Download directions, suggested questions, and a facilitator's guide that suggests ways to build discussions into the game.

According to Piatkowski, the winner is the player with the most experience points, who is not in debt. "Afterall, VISTA is about the experience, not the money," she says.

For more resources on helping members live on the living allowance, check out the VISTA campus and the book club page in the Train section of EnCorps.

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